From CIA Whistleblower to Internet Sensation: John Kiriakou's Unlikely Second Act
The former intelligence officer, now 62, has found a massive audience among Gen Z through candid online commentary and unexpected public appearances.
John Kiriakou, a former CIA officer convicted for disclosing classified information, has embarked on an unexpected second career at the age of 62, transforming from a figure in national security controversies into a viral internet sensation with a significant following among Generation Z.
Kiriakou's newfound popularity stems from his candid appearances on podcasts and social media, where his discussions about his time in the CIA, national security, and his legal battles have garnered millions of views. This online reach has led to opportunities he never anticipated, including walking the runway at New York Fashion Week for designer Elena Velez.
"I never thought that I would be this figurehead for thousands and thousands of young men between 15 and 35," Kiriakou told Fox News Digital. "I'm 62 years old. When in life am I ever going to get the chance to be on the catwalk at New York Fashion Week?"
His digital presence accelerated after an appearance on Steven Bartlett's "The Diary of a CEO" podcast, with clips of the interview spreading rapidly. For many in Gen Z, who were too young to recall the events of 9/11 and the subsequent War on Terror, Kiriakou represents a connection to a historical period they did not experience directly. He joined the CIA in 1990 and served until 2004.
Kiriakou gained notoriety in 2007 when he publicly discussed the CIA's use of waterboarding. He later pleaded guilty to disclosing the identity of a covert CIA officer and served 30 months in federal prison. He believes that the generational distance between him and his young audience contributes to their interest in his story. "There is a special place in my heart for Gen Z. It’s because of Gen Z that I’ve been able to turn my life around and to do things that I had, for the last 62 years, never thought I could do."
He suggests that his appeal to younger demographics reflects a broader skepticism towards traditional politics and a search for more authentic voices. "Gen Z has the largest number of political independents of any generation," Kiriakou stated. "They don’t like the Democrats. They don’t like the Republicans because they feel like they’re being lied to." He identifies as someone who is honest and has "nothing to lose" by speaking candidly about government, politics, and his own past mistakes.
Beyond his online presence, Kiriakou has expanded into other ventures, including hosting a podcast, advising a royal family in the Persian Gulf, and set to appear in an upcoming movie. He encourages young people to embrace unexpected opportunities that fall outside their initial life plans.
Kiriakou also uses his platform to discuss emerging issues like artificial intelligence, warning that its rapid development outpaces governmental readiness. He highlighted two primary concerns: the potential for AI to become uncontrollable by humans, and the risk of foreign adversaries weaponizing AI against the United States. "We’re not prepared. No, we’re not," he said, questioning the future anonymity of intelligence officers due to advancements in facial recognition and biometric technology.
Kiriakou advocates for increased investment in AI capabilities, both defensive and offensive, alongside the development of robust safeguards. He is also seeking a presidential pardon for his conviction, stating, "Barack Obama, Eric Holder and John Brennan ruined my life, and Donald Trump is the only person who can give it back to me."
His experiences have led him to believe that life rarely unfolds as expected, a lesson he imparts to his audience as he continues to engage with diverse topics ranging from espionage to the broader implications of technology and surveillance.